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Parish Engagement Resource for Social and Ecological Justice

The Parish Engagement Resource for Social and Ecological Justice supports Anglican and Lutheran communities as they discern and respond to justice issues in their local contexts. Developed for Assembly 2023, it offers practical tools for prayer, reflection and action rooted in shared commitments to justice, compassion and the healing of creation.

This resource was created jointly by the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada for delegates gathered under the theme “Let there be greening.” It brings together biblical reflections, discerned priorities, introductory guidance for parish engagement and ideas for prayer and worship. A recorded webinar and accompanying slides further support leaders in using the tool.

What’s inside

  • Biblical reflections on justice as part of Christian discipleship
  • Shared Anglican and Lutheran priorities for social and ecological justice
  • First steps for parish engagement and community listening
  • Ideas for prayer, worship and communal discernment
  • Practical actions and partner organizations for local involvement
  • Recorded webinar introducing the resource and its approaches

Suggested uses

  • Parish study groups exploring justice and discipleship
  • Discernment sessions for vestries, councils or parish leadership teams
  • Joint Anglican–Lutheran gatherings for learning and collaboration
  • Retreats or seasonal programming focused on justice and creation care

Key themes

  • Social and ecological justice as integral to God’s mission
  • Local wisdom, listening and relationship building
  • Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples
  • Climate crisis, racial justice, housing and poverty
  • Peace, dignity and healing for all communities

Best suited for: parishes, joint Anglican–Lutheran communities, lay leaders, clergy, justice committees, study groups and anyone beginning or renewing engagement with social and ecological justice.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.